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I elected to install a deep transmission pan on my 1973 convertible with TH 400 (additional quart), now I would like to add a trans cooler. But not sure what size cooler to get to do a good job in cooler the trans fluid. Those running a cooler, care to share what size you elected to use and what brand? thank you in advance.
If you do not have A/C, then any thickness cooler will work. If you do have a A/C condenser then you will need the thinner (3/4") out front.
You don't need a lot of surface area. A nice little 7 X 11 X 3/4 or so will work fine. The reason for the thinner unit is, when the hood is fully open there is little room for it to clear the condenser.
I bought a B & M unit, the thin one. Coming off the tranny, the fluid is warmed ever so slightly first through the Rad, then to the cooler, then returns to tranny. This was recommended by B & M tech, depending on what temperature region of the country you live in.
B & M kits (70268) come with compatible hose, clamps and bracket, through Summit.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jan 13, 2020 at 02:22 PM.
I found my old B&M installation instructions today and have a follow up.
It states that:
With trans cooler in front of A/C condenser, you receive 100% cooling efficiency.
With cooler between A/C condenser and the radiator, you will receive 75%.
And behind the Rad / A/C condenser, only get 60%.
The manual also states a small gap should be between the cooler and the A/C condenser or Rad with a rubber pad or bushings for vibration and air circulation.
Figure another 1/2 Qt of ATF to fill the cooler. And it may take awhile to remove all the air in the system.
I like and have used the B&M 70266 a few times with good results. I like the NPT fittings so I can run -6 lines. Don't like the barbed fittings and rubber hoses.
Thanks
Lots of room (well at least in vette terms)
It's down as low as possible. Couple of inches when the hood is in the latch position and still well over an inch when pulled all the way open
M
I used the B&M #70274. I laid it down flat so it doesn’t block the condenser/radiator and it clears the hood. It’s been like this for 10 years/30k miles and never had any trans temp issues....that was with a 10”/3200 converter. Using the same cooler now with a 8”/5000 stall converter and no issues thus far.
It sits right above the opening in the chin area of the body, right in front of the air dam, so it gets plenty of air up through it.
I get the idea of laying the cooler down. Picks up air from the road. Does not block the Rad. However,
I was thinking, this arrangement receives no cooling air when parked or at slow speed. Where a cooler in front of the Rad, the fan will always be pulling air.
Be my luck I would drop a tool on those cooling fins too. So I mounted mine vertical.
Funny thing, my water temp dropped about 5-10 degrees too from removing the extra ATF heat.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jan 18, 2020 at 03:08 PM.
ajrothm
Do you have any overheating issues at idle when the fan is not pulling air through the cooler?
Originally Posted by ajrothm
I used the B&M #70274. I laid it down flat so it doesn’t block the condenser/radiator and it clears the hood. It’s been like this for 10 years/30k miles and never had any trans temp issues....that was with a 10”/3200 converter. Using the same cooler now with a 8”/5000 stall converter and no issues thus far.
It sits right above the opening in the chin area of the body, right in front of the air dam, so it gets plenty of air up through it.
Last edited by carriljc; Feb 18, 2022 at 11:43 PM.
Trans cooler size
